The discovery of natural gas transformed the small village of Findlay from around 4,000 residents to 18,000 almost overnight. Findlay offered cheap or free natural gas to factories, and in 1887, 31 factories relocated there, drawn by the Chamber of Commerce's advertisement, "Free Fuel! Free Light! Free Sites! For the Manufacturers who will locate in Findlay, Ohio." By May of 1889, the city had added 17 churches, 15 school buildings employing 75 teachers, three daily and six weekly newspapers, four streetcar lines, and around 1,600 buildings. Dr. Charles Oesterlen, known in Findlay as the "Father of Oil and Gas," failed at first to convince even geologists that the area sat on natural gas and oil reserves, but he finally persuaded a small group of investors to drill. The Karg Well, on the south bank of the Blanchard River at the end of Liberty Street, erupted in January of 1886 with such pressure that it remained untamed for four months; its roar could be heard at least five miles away and its light could be seen from up to 40 miles away. Excursion trains began traveling to Findlay every day so people could witness the sight. In June of 1887, Findlay held a celebration with 58 gas arches and large banners on Main Street, and that weekend 12,000 dollars' worth of gas was burned in the arches day and night, helping lure many businesses to the city.